Perry hints at bigger stage for Straus

Gov. Rick Perry hinted at a bigger political stage for House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, as he helped honor him Tuesday for receiving the Texas Leadership Award from the Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life.

“I look forward to many years of your leadership, in the Legislature and beyond,” Perry said.

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, also on hand, said Straus had made a positive change after taking the House reins from former Speaker Tom Craddick, R-Midland, who still serves in the chamber.

“Since 2009, the bloodsport previously called debating on the floor of the House of Representatives has dramatically subsided,” said Dewhurst, who called Straus a “good and decent man” who has restored decorum to the Texas House.

University of Texas President Bill Powers joined in honoring Straus and also took time for kind words for Dewhurst and for Perry. Dewhurst has defended Powers against what he called unfair attacks from Perry-appointed regents.

Powers, after thanking Perry for his service, said, “We’re all in this together.”

He called Straus “the kind of person on whom we can hang our hopes.”

Also on hand was Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall, who praised Straus and quipped, “Who else you know drives a Prius with a Romney sticker? It’s like a Volvo with a gun rack.”

Straus thanked the institute for the honor and those who praised him; said he was pleased the evening gave him a chance for a dinner with his wife, Julie, amid the demands of the legislative session; and acknowledged his parents.

His mother, Joci Straus, attended the event. Straus said his father, Joe, was at home recovering from back surgery.

As for the praise, Straus quipped, ““People say the nicest things about you when the budget’s being written.”